Laundry appliance

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method of operating a laundry appliance ( 10 ) comprising an outer casing ( 12 ) and a drum ( 50 ) rotatably mounted within the outer casing ( 12 ), the drum ( 50 ) having at least two rotatable portions ( 60, 70 ) which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of: (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum ( 50 ); (b) heating the water to a desired temperature; (c) rotating the drum ( 50 ) to effect a washing action; and (d) spinning the drum ( 50 ) at a relatively high speed so as to remove water therefrom. In one aspect, the drum ( 50 ) is rotated in the non-synchronized mode either during or immediately after the step of introducing water to the interior of the drum ( 50 ). This helps to distribute the washing liquid throughout the wash load. In a second aspect, the drum ( 50 ) is rotated in the synchronized mode during a first part of step (c) and in the non-synchronized mode during a second part of step (c), the average temperature of the water being no less during the second part of step (c) than the average temperature of the water during the first part of step (c). This improves the efficacy of the period of non-synchronized rotation. In a third aspect, the drum ( 50 ) is rotated in the non-synchronized mode after the end of stop (d). This releases the wash load from the drum walls after spinning and minimises creasing.

[0001] The invention relates to a method of operating a laundryappliance and to a laundry appliance programmed to operate in aparticular manner. Particularly, the invention relates to a method ofoperating a washing machine or washer-dryer. The invention is applicablein both domestic and commercial environments.

[0002] Washing machines and their methods of operation are commonknowledge. In summary, a washing machine comprises a housing containinga watertight tub in which a perforated drum is rotatably mounted. Thearticles to be washed are placed in the drum and water is introducedthereto so as thoroughly to wet them. The temperature of the water israised to the desired temperature for washing and a wash action iscarried out. In the case of front-loading machines, this is achieved byslow rotation of the drum to lift the articles and drop them into theresidual water in the drum. In the case of top-loading machines, arotator paddle is used to agitate the articles inside the drum. When thewashing action is complete, the water is drained, fresh water is addedto rinse the articles and the drum is then spun at high speed to extractthe water in a centrifugal manner. Rinsing and spinning can be repeatedup to three or more times.

[0003] A washing machine having a drum comprising at least two rotatableportions is described in WO99/58753. This machine operates in a mannerwhich allows the rotatable portions to rotate in a non-synchronized modein which the rotatable portions rotate at different speeds and/or indifferent directions with respect to one another. The washing actionachieved by this arrangement is superior to the washing action achievedby other known machines.

[0004] Further research has shown that the stage of the washing cycleduring which the non-synchronized mode is used has beneficial effects tothe operation of the machine as a whole.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide amethod of operating a laundry appliance of the type described inWO99/58753 in which the overall efficiency of the appliance is improved.It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of operatinga laundry appliance of the said type in which the speed with which thearticles to be washed are wetted is reduced. It is a still furtherobject of the invention to provide a method of operating a laundryappliance of the said type in which the efficacy of the non-synchronizedportion of the wash cycle is maximised. It is a yet further object ofthe invention to provide a laundry appliance of the said type in whichthe washed articles are more readily removed from the appliance afterthe washing cycle has been completed.

[0006] In a first aspect, the invention provides a method of operating alaundry appliance comprising an outer casing and a drum rotatablymounted within the outer casing, the drum having at least two rotatableportions which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronizedmode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of:

[0007] (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum;

[0008] (b) heating the water to a desired temperature;

[0009] (c) rotating the drum to effect a washing action; and

[0010] (d) spinning the drum at a relatively high speed so as to removewater therefrom;

[0011] wherein the drum is rotated in the non-synchronized mode eitherduring or immediately after the step of introducing water to theinterior of the drum.

[0012] The use of non-synchronized rotation during or immediately afterthe introduction of water to the interior of the drum assists with thethorough wetting of the articles to be washed in that the articles arerearranged inside the drum. Articles near the drum wall which are wellwetted are moved to the center of the drum and replaced by less wellwetted articles which may previously have been located near the centerof the drum. If the heating of the water to the desired temperature hasalso been commenced when the non-synchronized rotation starts, then aneven temperature distribution will be achieved in a comparatively shortspace of time. This is beneficial in that the temperature will be lesslikely to fluctuate during the washing cycle.

[0013] In a second aspect, the invention provides a method of operatinga laundry appliance comprising an outer casing and a drum rotatablymounted within the outer casing, the drum having at least two rotatableportions which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronizedmode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of:

[0014] (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum;

[0015] (b) heating the water to a desired temperature;

[0016] (c) rotating the drum to effect a washing action; and

[0017] (d) spinning the drum at a relatively high speed so as to removewater therefrom;

[0018] wherein the drum is rotated in the synchronized mode during afirst part of step (c) and in the non-synchronized mode during a secondpart of step (c), the temperature of the water being no less during thesecond part of step (c) than the temperature of the water during thefirst part of step (c).

[0019] It has been found that the efficacy of the non-synchronizedrotation mode is improved if the temperature of the water duringnon-synchronized rotation is at or near the desired temperature of thewater for the washing cycle. Thus, if the drum is to rotate in asynchronized mode and a non-synchronized mode at different times, it isbeneficial for the non-synchronized mode to follow the synchronized modeas the temperature increases. Alternatively, it is beneficial for thenon-synchronized mode of rotation to occur when the water has achievedthe desired temperature.

[0020] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of operating alaundry appliance comprising an outer casing and a drum rotatablymounted within the outer casing, the drum having at least two rotatableportions which are capable of being rotated in either a synchronizedmode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising the steps of:

[0021] (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum;

[0022] (b) heating the water to a desired temperature;

[0023] (c) rotating the drum to effect a washing action; and

[0024] (d) spinning the drum at a relatively high speed so as to removewater therefrom;

[0025] wherein the drum is rotated in the non-synchronized mode afterthe end of step (d).

[0026] It will be appreciated that, at the end of a known washing cycle,the articles which have been washed are frequently stuck to the sides ofthe drum. The articles can then become creased if they are notimmediately removed from the appliance. If the drum is rotated in thenon-synchronous mode after the final spin has occurred, the articles arereleased from the walls of the drum and allowed to fall loosely to thebottom thereof. Less creasing is thus likely.

[0027] Further advantageous and preferable features relating to eachaspect of the invention are set out in the subsidiary claims.

[0028] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029]FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a washing machine of the typedescribed in WO99/58753 and programmed so as to operate in accordancewith a method according to the invention;

[0030]FIGS. 2a-2 d are schematic illustrations of the drum of thewashing machine of FIG. 1 illustrating various modes of rotationthereof; and

[0031]FIGS. 3a-3 c are schematic illustrations of specific wash cycleswhich can be performed by the washing machine of FIG. 1.

[0032]FIG. 1 shows a washing machine 10 which includes an outer casing12 in which a tub 40 is located and supported by spring-damper devices90. A drum 50 is mounted inside the tub 40 so as to be rotatable aboutan axis 85. The tub 40 is watertight except for an inlet 21 and anoutlet 22. The washing machine 10 includes a soap tray 20 capable ofreceiving and delivering detergent in a known manner. At least one waterinlet 23 communicates with the soap tray 20 and is provided withsuitable means for connection to a water supply within the environmentin which the washing machine 10 is to be used. A conduit 21 is providedbetween the soap tray 20 and the tub 40 so as to allow water introducedvia the inlet 23 to enter the tub 40 carrying detergent with it. The tub40 has a sump 26 located beneath the drum 50. A drainage pipe 28communicates with the sump 26 and leads to an outlet 30 via which washliquor can be discharged from the washing machine 10. A pump 42 isprovided to allow wash liquor to be pumped from the sump 26 to theoutlet 30 at appropriate stages of the washing cycle carried out by thewashing machine 10.

[0033] The drum 50 is rotatably mounted about the axis 85 by way of ashaft 80. The shaft 80 is mounted in a known manner, allowing the tub 40to remain stationary whilst the drum 50 is rotatable with the shaft 80.The shaft 80 is rotatably driven by a motor (not shown) mounted withinthe outer casing 12 of the washing machine 10. A door 66 is located inthe front panel 12 a of the outer casing 12 to allow access to theinterior of the drum 50. It is via the door 66 that a wash load can bedeposited within the drum 50 before a wash cycle commences and removedfrom the drum 50 at the end of the wash cycle.

[0034] Drum 50 comprises two rotatable portions 60, 70 which are mountedsuch that they can be rotated with respect to one another. A drum ofthis type is described more fully in International Patent ApplicationWO99/58753. Typically the drum portions 60, 70 are rotated in directionsopposite to one another, i.e. one portion is rotated clockwise whilstthe other is rotated counter-clockwise, but they can also be rotatedtogether in the same direction. FIG. 2 illustrates several differentmodes of operation of the drum portions 60, 70.

[0035]FIG. 2a illustrates synchronized rotation in which both of therotatable portions 60, 70 rotate in the same direction and at the samespeed. Each of FIGS. 2b, 2 c and 2 d illustrate non-synchronized modesof operation. In FIG. 2b, both rotatable portions rotate in the samedirection but one of the rotatable portions 60 rotates at a slower speedthan the other rotatable portion 70. In the mode illustrated in FIG. 2c,the rotatable portions rotate at the same speed but in differentdirections. In the mode illustrated in FIG. 2d, the rotatable portionsrotate in opposite directions and at different speeds, with the firstrotatable portion 60 rotating at a higher speed than that of the secondrotatable portion 70. It must be emphasised that all three of the modesillustrated in FIGS. 2b, 2 c and 2 d are to be regarded asnon-synchronous modes and that, when the rotatable portions are made torotate at different speeds, the difference between those speeds is notcritical. What is critical is that one rotatable portion rotates withrespect to the other rotatable portion. The means by which the modes ofoperation are achieved are not critical either. One means of achievingthe different modes is described in detail in WO99/58753. Other means ofachieving the relevant speeds and directions of rotation will beapparent to a skilled reader.

[0036] The drum 50 is mounted in a cantilever fashion on the wall of thetub 40 remote from the door 66. The outer rotatable portion 60 issupported on a hollow cylindrical shaft 81. An angular contact bearing82 is located between the rear wall of the tub 40 and the hollowcylindrical shaft 81. The outer rotatable portion 60 is dimensioned soas substantially to fill the interior of the tub 40. More specifically,the outer rotatable portion 60 has a generally circular rear wall 63extending from the hollow cylindrical shaft 81 towards the cylindricalwall of the tub 40, a generally cylindrical wall 61 extending generallyparallel to the cylindrical walls of the tub 40 from the rear wall 63towards the front wall of the tub 40, and a generally annular front face64 extending from the cylindrical wall 61 towards the door 66.Sufficient clearance is allowed between the walls 61, 63, 64 of theouter rotatable portion 60 and the tub 40 to prevent the outer rotatableportion 60 from coming into contact with the tub 40 when the drum 50 ismade to spin.

[0037] An inner cylindrical wall 62 is also provided on the interior ofthe cylindrical wall 61 of the outer rotatable portion 60. The innercylindrical wall 62 extends from a point which is substantially midwaybetween the rear wall 63 and the front face 64 to the front face 64. Thespace between the interior cylindrical wall 62 and the cylindrical wall61 is hollow but, if desired, could be filled with a strengtheningmaterial. In this event, the strengthening material must be lightweight.The provision of parallel cylindrical walls 61, 62 in the portion of theouter rotatable portion 60 closest to the front face 64 providesstrength to the whole of the outer rotatable portion 60 whilst reducingthe internal diameter of the outer rotatable portion 60 in this region.

[0038] The inner rotatable portion 70 is supported on a central shaft 80which, in turn, is supported by deep groove bearings 83 located betweenthe central shaft 80 and the hollow cylindrical shaft 81. The innerrotatable portion 70 essentially comprises a generally circular rearwall 71 extending from the central shaft 80 towards the cylindrical wallof the tub 40, and a cylindrical wall 74 extending from the periphery ofthe rear wall 71 towards the front wall of the tub 40. The diameter ofthe cylindrical wall 74 of the inner rotatable portion 70 issubstantially the same as the diameter of the inner cylindrical wall 62of the outer rotatable portion 60. The cylindrical wall 74 of the innerrotatable portion 70 is dimensioned so that its distal end approachesthe end of the cylindrical wall 62 closest to it. It is advantageous tokeep the gap between these two cylindrical walls 62, 74 as small aspossible. An annular sealing ring 76 is located on the cylindrical wall61 of the outer cylindrical portion 60 immediately adjacent the end ofthe inner cylindrical wall 62 closest to the inner cylindrical portion70 so as to provide support for the distal end of the cylindrical wall76 thereof.

[0039] Having described the apparatus by means of which the methodsaccording to the invention can be carried out, the methods will now bedescribed in detail.

[0040]FIGS. 3a, 3 b and 3 c are time charts (not to scale) whichillustrate the order of various steps carried out during the washingmachine cycle. The steps noted on the time charts are: the introductionof wash liquor or water to the interior of the tub and drum; theoperation of a heater to heat the wash liquor in the tub and drum;rotation of the drum in a synchronized mode (as described above);rotation of the drum in a non-synchronized mode (as described above);spinning of the drum (which must be in synchronized mode; and drainingof water or wash liquor from the sump of the tub. It is not intendedthat the scale of the time axis will be particularly accurate and noinference should be drawn as to the exact duration of each step from therelative lengths of each bar appearing on the charts. However, a generalapproximation of relative durations can be inferred. It is also to beunderstood that the precise means by which the required water level andtemperature is maintained will not be described in any detail and that“top-up” activations of the water inlet means and the heating means maytake place after the completion of the relevant steps illustratedwithout departing from the scope of the invention.

[0041] The first method illustrated is shown in FIG. 3a. As can be seen,the first step in the method is the introduction of wash liquor to theinterior of the tub and drum. This step causes the articles containedwithin the drum to be wetted. Wash liquor will continue to be introduceduntil the articles have been completely saturated by wash liquor and aresidual level has been achieved. During the step of introducing washliquor to the tub/drum, a first short period of synchronized rotationwill take place to help with the wetting of the articles and uniformdistribution of detergent. Towards the end of the wash liquorintroduction step, a second period of synchronized rotation takes place.This step lasts for a period of substantially 5 minutes.

[0042] Immediately after the end of the wash liquor introduction step,and after the second period of synchronized rotation, the drum is madeto rotate in the non-synchronous mode. Any of the variations of thenon-synchronous mode described above are usable here, although it ispreferred that the rotatable portions are caused to rotate at the samespeed in opposite directions (as illustrated in FIG. 2c). This period ofnon-synchronous rotation lasts for substantially 3 minutes and, in thisembodiment, commences after the end of the period of wash liquorintroduction. The inclusion of this step enhances the even distributionof water and detergent throughout the articles to be washed. The benefitis believed to come from the likelihood of articles previously locatednear the center of the drum being moved towards the wall of the drum soas to be more directly exposed to the wash liquor located in the tub.

[0043] Simultaneously with the start of the step of non-synchronizedrotation, heating of the wash liquor which has been introduced to thetub/drum commences. The heating step commences in this embodiment afterthe wash liquor introduction step has been completed. Heating continuesuntil the wash liquor reaches the temperature which has been selected,normally by the user, for the particular cycle to be carried out. Beforethe wash liquor reaches the desired temperature, a step of synchronizedrotation commences. This step of synchronized rotation effects a washingaction on the articles to be washed. It continues for a period of timewhich varies according to the program selected by the user. A typicalduration for this step is between 5 and 15 minutes, although a longerperiod, even up to 35 or 40 minutes, is also possible. This step occurswhilst the wash liquor heating step is still in progress. Hence thetemperature of the wash liquor increases with time during the step. Atthe end of the step, the temperature of the wash liquor is higher thanthe average temperature of the wash liquor during the whole of the step.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3a, the desired temperature of the washliquor is reached shortly before the end of this step of synchronizedrotation.

[0044] Following the step of synchronized rotation described above, thedrum is subsequently rotated in a non-synchronized mode in order toeffect a washing action on the articles contained within the drum.Again, any of the various non-synchronous modes are possible andappropriate. The drum is rotated in this mode for a period of time whichexceeds the duration of the previous step, preferably by two or threetimes. Hence the duration of the non-synchronous rotation step ispreferably between 15 and 45 minutes. During the whole of this step, thetemperature of the wash liquor remains at (or very near) the desiredtemperature. Hence the average temperature of the wash liquor during thenon-synchronized step exceeds that during the previous synchronizedstep. It has been found by experimentation that non-synchronizedrotation has greater cleaning ability when it occurs at highertemperatures than when it occurs at lower temperatures.

[0045] At the end of the period of non-synchronized rotation, thewashing action is complete. The wash liquor is then drained from thetub/drum and, as is common, rinsing water is introduced to the tub/drum.The drum is rotated in synchronized mode to rinse the articles and thedrum is then made to spin to extract the rinse water. The drain isopened to extract the rinse water before a second volume of rinse wateris introduced and the rinse process is repeated.

[0046] Once the second volume of rinse water has been drained, the cycleis essentially complete. In known machines, the cycle would stop and thearticles would be removed by the user. However, as has been mentioned,the final spin can cause the articles to be pressed very firmly againstthe walls of the drum and, in many cases, the articles remain so presseduntil the user forcibly removes them. This causes unnecessary creasing.In the method according to the invention, the drum is caused to rotatein a non-synchronized mode for a very short period of time, less than 1minute, after the final spin has taken place. This loosens the articlesand causes them to fall away from the walls of the drum. The articlesare then able to collect in a free manner in the bottom of the drum sothat creasing is kept to a minimum. A final step, not shown, ofsynchronized rotation can be carried out if desired at the end of thecycle.

[0047] A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3b.The method is similar to that shown in and described in relation to FIG.3a. The essential differences are now described. Firstly, the heatingstep commences before all of the wash liquor has been introduced to thetub/drum. Hence the wash liquor starts to heat up before it is allpresent in the machine. Also, the heating step takes place over a longerperiod of time than in the previous embodiment. The first step ofsynchronized rotation commences at substantially the same time as theheating step. The first and second steps of synchronized rotation occurwhilst the temperature of the wash liquor is increasing. As before, thefirst step of non-synchronized rotation helps to distribute wash liquor(water and detergent) throughout the wash load. Further, the first stepof non-synchronized rotation and the subsequent step of synchronizedrotation all occur as the temperature of the wash liquor continues toincrease. The second step of non-synchronized rotation commences beforethe heating step is complete and the desired temperature is achievedduring that step of non-synchronized rotation. Hence the averagetemperature of the wash liquor during that step of non-synchronizedrotation is higher than the average temperature during the previous stepof synchronized rotation. The efficacy of the non-synchronized rotationstep is thereby improved.

[0048] The second step of non-synchronized rotation is followed asbefore by a draining step and several (in this case three) rinse andspin steps. When the final rinse and spin step has been completed, ashort period of non-synchronized rotation occurs in order to remove thearticles from the walls of the drum so as to minimise creasing.

[0049] A third embodiment of the method is illustrated in FIG. 3c. As inthe method described in relation to FIG. 3b, the heating step commencesbefore the all of the wash liquor has been introduced to the tub/drum.Only one period of synchronized rotation occurs before the first periodof counter rotation, which distributes the wash liquor evenly throughoutthe load. Heating continues during the second period of synchronizedrotation and also throughout the second period of non-synchronizedrotation. The desired temperature is reached only at the end of thesecond period of non-synchronized rotation. Indeed, the duration of thesecond period of non-synchronized rotation can be determined by the timeat which the desired temperature is achieved. In this example, fourrinse and spin cycles are carried out, with the duration of the finalspin being longer than that of the previous spin steps. Again, as withthe previously described embodiments, a short period of non-synchronizedrotation is carried out after the final spin in order to dislodge thearticles from the wall of the drum in order to minimise creasing.

[0050] Having described the steps of each of the illustrated cycles,there now follows a table showing the preferred duration of thefollowing steps in a number of preferred methods:

[0051] Step A: the period of synchronized rotation immediately precedingthe first period of non-synchronized rotation;

[0052] Step B: the first period of non-synchronized rotation;

[0053] Step C: the period of synchronized rotation immediately followingthe first period of non-synchronized rotation;

[0054] Step D: the second period of non-synchronized rotation;

[0055] Step E: the final period of non-synchronized rotation. Cycle StepA Step B Step C Step D Step E Cycle 1 5 mins 3 mins  7 mins 15 mins <1min Cycle 2 5 mins 3 mins 10 mins 37 mins <1 min Cycle 3 5 mins 3 mins10 mins 12 mins <1 min Cycle 4 5 mins 3 mins 25 mins 12 mins <1 minCycle 5 5 mins 3 mins 40 mins 12 mins <1 min Cycle 6 5 mins 3 mins 25mins 30 mins <1 min Cycle 7 5 mins 3 mins 34 mins  8 mins <1 min

[0056] It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to theprecise details of the embodiments described and discussed above.Modifications and variations falling within the scope of the claims willbe apparent to a skilled reader. For the avoidance of doubt, it will beunderstood that details of standard components of the washing machine,eg. the means by which wash liquor is introduced to the washing machine,the wash liquor level is sensed, the water or wash liquor is drained,the programs are selected, the door locked and unlocked, etc, do notform part of the present invention and are therefore not described.Means to achieve the necessary and desired features will be readilyapparent and available to a skilled reader.

1. A method of operating a laundry appliance comprising an outer casingand a drum rotatably mounted within the outer casing, the drum having atleast two rotatable portions which are capable of being rotated ineither a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, the methodcomprising the steps of: (a) introducing water to the interior of thedrum; (b) heating the water to a desired temperature; (c) rotating thedrum to effect a washing action; and (d) spinning the drum at arelatively high speed so as to remove water therefrom; wherein the drumis rotated in the non-synchronized mode either during or immediatelyafter the step of introducing water to the interior of the drum.
 2. Amethod as claimed in claim 1, wherein the drum is not rotated in thenon-synchronized mode until at least half of the water has beenintroduced into the interior of the drum.
 3. A method as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the drum is not rotated in the non-synchronized modeuntil at least three-quarters of the water has been introduced into theinterior of the drum.
 4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein thedrum is not rotated in the non-synchronized mode until all of the waterhas been introduced into the interior of the drum.
 5. A method asclaimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the drum is rotatedin the synchronized mode during the step of introducing water to theinterior of the drum and prior to being rotated in the non-synchronizedmode.
 6. A method of operating a laundry appliance comprising an outercasing and a drum rotatably mounted within the outer casing, the drumhaving at least two rotatable portions which are capable of beingrotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) introducing water to the interior ofthe drum; (b) heating the water to a desired temperature; (c) rotatingthe drum to effect a washing action; and (d) spinning the drum at arelatively high speed so as to remove water therefrom; wherein the drumis rotated in the synchronized mode during a first part of step (c) andin the non-synchronized mode during a second part of step (c), theaverage temperature of the water being no less during the second part ofstep (c) than the average temperature of the water during the first partof step (c).
 7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein step (c)commences before step (b) has been completed.
 8. A method as claimed inclaim 7, wherein the second part of step (c) commences before step (b)has been completed.
 9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8,wherein the water reaches the desired temperature during the second partof step (c).
 10. A method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the secondpart of step (c) commences after step (b) has been completed.
 11. Amethod as claimed in claim 10, wherein the temperature of the water isthe desired temperature during the whole of the second part of step (c).12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein theduration of the second part of step (c) is greater than the duration ofthe first part of step (c).
 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, whereinthe duration of the second part of step (c) is at least twice theduration of the first part of step (c).
 14. A method as claimed in claim13, wherein the duration of the second part of step (c) is at leastthree times the duration of the first part of step (c).
 15. A method ofoperating a laundry appliance comprising an outer casing and a drumrotatably mounted within the outer casing, the drum having at least tworotatable portions which are capable of being rotated in either asynchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, the method comprising thesteps of: (a) introducing water to the interior of the drum; (b) heatingthe water to a desired temperature; (c) rotating the drum to effect awashing action; and (d) spinning the drum at a relatively high speed soas to remove water therefrom; wherein the drum is rotated in thenon-synchronized mode after the end of step (d).
 16. A method as claimedin claim 15, wherein step (d) is repeated at least once and the drum isrotated in the non-synchronized mode after the end of the final repeatof step (d).
 17. A method as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein theduration of the rotation of the drum in the non-synchronized mode afterthe end of step (d) is less than one minute.
 18. A method as claimed inany one of the preceding claims, wherein step (b) commences before step(a) has been completed.
 19. A method as claimed in any one of thepreceding claims, wherein the duration of step (c) is less than onehour.
 20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the duration of step(c) is substantially 55 minutes.
 21. A method as claimed in claim 19,wherein the duration of step (c) is less than 40 minutes.
 22. A methodas claimed in claim 21, wherein the duration of step (c) issubstantially 30 minutes.
 23. A method as claimed in claim 21, whereinthe duration of step (c) is less than 15 minutes.
 24. A method asclaimed in claim 23, wherein the duration of step (c) is substantially14 minutes.
 25. A method of operating a laundry appliance comprising anouter casing and a drum rotatably mounted within the outer casing, thedrum having at least two rotatable portions which are capable of beingrotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode,substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to theaccompanying drawings.
 26. A laundry appliance comprising an outercasing and a drum rotatably mounted within the outer casing, the drumhaving at least two rotatable portions which are capable of beingrotated in either a synchronized mode or a non-synchronized mode, thelaundry appliance being programmed to operate in accordance with amethod according to any one of the preceding claims.